The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley

Austentatious #2

by Lindz McLeod

Being snubbed by Mr Darcy—passed over for Elizabeth Bennet, no less—is humiliating.

Being told she’s arrogant and unkind, and that if she doesn’t mend her ways, she might never find love… that’s simply preposterous. Isn't it?

Feeling the sting of Darcy’s rejection, Caroline Bingley does what any self-respecting woman of means would do: she hatches a plan. Get Georgiana Darcy, the epitome of grace and sweetness, to teach Caroline how to be perfect like her.

But Caroline’s transformation from status-hungry socialite to proper marriage material won’t be easy. She must be charming, and even worse… she must be kind. And Georgiana herself isn’t so sure about playing fairy godmother. Beneath Miss Darcy's polished facade lies an entirely different set of struggles.

As the two grow closer, Caroline discovers she’s less interested in securing a man, and more intrigued by the woman helping her to reform her character. Before long, their lessons in finding love and acceptance blossom into something completely unexpected…

The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley is a sapphic historical romance.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, Queer, LGBT, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical

384 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2026

About the author

Lindz McLeod is a queer, working-class, Scottish writer and editor who dabbles in the surreal. Her short prose has been published by Apex, Catapult, Pseudopod, DIVA, Nightmare, Best of British SF, and many more.
Her longer work includes the award-winning short story collection TURDUCKEN (Spaceboy, 2023), as well as novellas SUNBATHERS (Hedone Books, 2024), QUEEN O'NINE TAILS (Hedone Books, 2025), novels THE UNLIKELY PURSUIT OF MARY BENNET (Harlequin, 2025) and THE MISEDUCATION OF CAROLINE BINGLEY (Harlequin, 2026), the collaborative anthology AN HONOUR AND A PRIVILEGE (Stanchion, 2025), and more, including the forthcoming WE, THE DROWNING (Android Press, 2026). Her work has been taught in schools and universities, displayed in a museum, turned into avant-garde opera, and optioned for TV.
She is a full member of the SFWA, the former club president of the Edinburgh Writers' Club, and is in her third year of a PhD in Creative Writing. She lives in Edinburgh with her talented fiancée and their two extremely photogenic cats, Dane and Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

caroline bingley learning her charge in life is to be the mean lesbian (and to love georgiana)

homage to the 1995 P&P lake scene, excellent boiled potatoes, and a love confession wentworth would be proud of!!

“and f*ck that guy” - darcy and caroline about wickham

Bookstagram | Blog

[K.J. Charles]

A sapphic historical based on Pride and Prejudice, starring Georgiana Darcy and Caroline Bingley. I come to this from having only the haziest recollection of either character, though I will note that the author has aged up Georgiana several years to make the ages OK for a modern reader.

This is a fun read told from Caroline's viewpoint: she starts off as highly snobbish and judgemental, decided she needs to learn to appear kind and pleasant, and ends up actually working on herself and becoming a better person. I do love a good redemption story and I particularly liked that actually a lot of her flaws are shown as good qualities once they're balanced and tempered (and that Georgiana isn't shown as being always right just because Caroline is frequently wrong). There's an enjoyable slow burn romance that heats up in a very satisfactory way, and I liked how they end up.

I didn't quite feel on board with the progress to the end when Caroline insists on coming out to her appalling vindictive mother, which just seemed a horrifically bad idea on any level. Or with Darcy 'testing' her to see if she was good enough for Georgiana, which...IDK, it left me thinking I'd never want to speak to the dickhead again. YMMV on both those things.

A bouncy, energetic feel-good take that's infinitely less mean-spirited than the source text and offers happiness to far more people. If you liked the terrific Mr Collins in Love you'll like this, and vice versa.

[Sam’s Sapphic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Rounded Up

What a beautiful love story! I enjoyed following the progression of the two MC’s Caroline and Georgiana’s relationship. My heart strings got pulled a few times, with the intensity of feelings that hit me.

The characters were easily likable which tends to make a book MUCH easier to read. It’s always interesting reading a historical romance because the way they live and speak is SO different, you really get transported in time.

Around the middle of the book I did start to get bored. It felt as though we were stuck in place for a bit with no movement and I had a hard time pushing through it. Once I finally got back into it it was worth the read!

It was pretty predictable throughout, and unfortunately nothing stuck out to me to make this book different than the rest, but was still an overall good read.

I can also appreciate a book with incredible side characters. Such a plus!

Thank you NetGalley and Linz McLeod for the ARC!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sapphic adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. I love the character of Caroline Bingley so much (not that I would love her in real life, of course) and have read so many adaptations featuring her. I absolutely adored this one. I like the idea of Caroline trying to improve herself to find a good husband, since that would definitely not be out of the realm of possibility.

Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for their next sapphic read, especially those who love Jane Austen's books.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say this, because I’m not sure where else to, this was weirdly patriarchal. Hymens can break outside of sex, nor should they be the height of a romance. I feel especially strongly about this because this is a sapphic romance. Having such emphasis on breaking a hymen feels weirdly patriarchal and heterosexual, as if one of the characters were just genderswapped to make this gay to fulfil a genre need than the author really wanting to write about sapphics. I feel especially strongly about this, again, because I am a lesbian and do not want to read about how significant and important a hymen is.

Maybe that’s just a raging feminist lesbian take but the sex scenes and emphasis on Caroline “hunting” and “trapping” Georgianna made me especially uncomfortable. This didn’t feel romantic, not was I really rooting for any of the characters. It’s not as if Caroline and Georgiana are the actual characters from the original novel, either. I was flabbergasted from Georgiana’s strength and was deeply uncomfortable with Caroline’s characterization here.

Maybe the author’s novels aren’t for me, because I also had characterization problems with her first novel. I won’t be requesting the rest of the author’s novels in the future, which is a shame, because I really want to read any sapphic adaptations of Jane Austen’s works I can get my hands on. I’ll recommend her novels on the tail ends of others, as an aside, but there are stronger sapphic adaptations out there, and I just can’t in good faith wrap my arms around this book for my patrons.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Lindz's first Austen retelling, The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet, as an Austen & nineteenth century literature scholar (and nerd), especially as I'm such a fan of Mary Bennet, and I wasn't sure if anything was going to top the first book for me. Austen sequels can often feel cringy, or just repetitive with a focus on Darcy and Lizzie's happy ever after. These sapphic P&P sequels are a breath of fresh air, delightfully queer and just a joy to read (with some proper swoony romance!!)

I do absolutely adore Georgiana's character in P&P and wish she featured more in adaptations etc, so I was very excited to see that her and Caroline Bingley were the stars of this one! Caroline isn't a favourite of mine, but I really warmed to her whilst I was reading as she underwent her personal growth.

Though this didn't top book one for me, it certainly came a very close second and I really enjoyed reading about the Caroline and Georgiana. I like that Georgiana's past with Wickham wasn't completely ignored or written out (bisexual Georgiana? Yes please!!), although I'm very anti Wickham (likely because of how he features in my PhD!) Still, I liked this alternative take.

The cameos from Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley were especially fun to me (Charles' letter especially). On my recent visit to Chawton during a research fellowship, I got to see a photo of Darcy and Bingley's 1995 adaptation actors larking around in their costumes so I had that image of the two in my head whilst I was reading.

What must be the most special part of this book, however, is Edward the horse. Lindz asked for name suggestions on a bluesky post and I suggested Edward, my late granddad who was my best friend and my biggest academic supporter. The most reliable man I've ever met, calm and strong. I will admit a shed a little tear seeing Edward the horse come to life in this book 🥹 this turned to a full on cheesy smile at the end of the book, seeing what such kind words Lindz had for my and (my) Edward.

Thank you to Lindz and netgalley for an e book ARC, I was overjoyed to get my hands on an early copy (sorry I couldn't wait for UK release 🤣) I'd love to see Mary Crawford or Eleanor Tilney get the same gorgeous treatment 💖👀

[Unpopmary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I ended up liking this book overall, just not quite as much as I originally thought I would. And in full honesty, I haven’t read any of Jane Austen’s original works (which I know is practically scandalous), mostly because I’m not usually drawn to stories centered on straight couples. So my understanding of her world comes mainly from retellings, which makes it a bit harder for me to judge how faithful these characterizations are. That said, I can definitely see how readers more familiar with Austen might get even more out of this.

What really worked for me here were the characters, especially Caroline. The story follows her decision to change after Mr. Darcy essentially tells her she needs to improve her character if she wants to be taken seriously. So she turns to Georgiana for help in becoming a better person, hoping to present herself as more “marriageable.” But in the process, she starts to change in ways she didn’t expect, including her growing, persistent thoughts about Georgiana, which start to blur the line between friendship and something deeper… something closer to love.

I was especially curious about how Caroline’s transformation would unfold. She initially comes across as quite set in her ways, arrogant, sometimes shallow, and very much embodying the “mean girl” archetype. So I found it hard to imagine her evolving beyond that. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by how subtle and gradual her growth felt. It never seemed forced or abrupt. Instead, it unfolded naturally, allowing her to become a better version of herself without losing the essence of who she is. She still retains the core traits that define her, which made her development feel authentic rather than like a complete personality shift.

Her emotional growth ended up being my favorite aspect of the book. From the beginning, she struck me as a character with a lot of potential, someone perhaps misunderstood. Maybe I’m reading a bit deeply into it, but I saw her behavior as shaped largely by her upbringing and by following her mother’s example rather than forming her own identity. Watching her slowly unpack those ingrained beliefs and become more aware of how her actions affect others was genuinely compelling. The diary entries especially made that introspection feel more grounded and helped me connect with her on a deeper level.

Georgiana, on the other hand, was a bit more complicated for me. From the beginning, it’s clear the story centers more on Caroline’s journey, but I wasn’t expecting Georgiana’s development to feel somewhat secondary. Still, I liked what the story was trying to do with her, showing that she’s more than just the “perfect lady” archetype, and I did enjoy seeing glimpses of her more authentic self. But I also felt like her development took a bit of a backseat as the romance became more central, which made some of her later choices feel less convincing to me.

As for the romance, I liked the idea of it more than the execution at times. The slow burn worked well at the beginning. Their connection felt natural, and I liked how it grew alongside Caroline’s personal journey. But midway through, it started to feel like the emotional development was being overshadowed by a stronger emphasis on physical intimacy. It gave me the sense that while they were moving forward as a couple, they were also losing some of the emotional momentum they had built.

The angst, in particular, leaned heavily on miscommunication (often from Georgiana) rather than external pressures that could have naturally challenged their relationship. While it makes sense given the historical context that their relationship would carry risks to their reputations and families, I was a bit surprised by how that conflict played out, especially considering Georgiana’s earlier characterization. At times, her reactions felt slightly at odds with the growth we had seen before. However, I can understand the intention behind the conflict, even if it didn’t fully work for me.

I think what held me back the most, though, was the writing style. It leans heavily into a very witty, exaggerated internal monologue, which I can see being appealing, but for me it sometimes felt a bit too performative rather than genuinely funny. The prose is also quite stylized, which made it read as more crafted than natural at times, and that occasionally pulled me out of the story. I also think this contributed to some uneven pacing, as the narrative spends a significant amount of time in Caroline’s inner thoughts. While this adds depth to her character, it sometimes slowed the momentum and made certain sections feel repetitive.

Even so, I had a genuinely good time reading this. It may not have become a new favorite, but I can easily see it shining for the right reader, especially if you love character-driven stories with a strong narrative voice and a soft, slow-burn sapphic historical romance that quietly builds its way into your heart.

Huge thank you to the author for sending this my way.

[Holly_bookbanter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. This is my voluntary and honest opinion.

This is my first book by this author but I am a seasoned reader of lgbtq+ stories (particularly sapphic romance), and historical romance/fiction. I have also read and watched Pride & Prejudice so these characters are familiar to me.

Overall Thoughts:
This book is just perfection. I love these characters and seeing them on page again makes me giddy. They were true to the personalities created by Austen over 200 years ago and I loved the ever insufferable Caroline!

Spice Level:
This is a low spice sapphic romance. There are several scenes of romantic interludes but they are not excessively graphic or vulgar in any way and suit the style of the book well.

Characters:
With a book that utilizes well known and beloved characters it can be hard to assume their personality and translate it to page but McLeod has done an excellent job of maintaining their core traits while integrating the sapphic aspects of the story into them.

Caroline is as ever vain, judgmental, stubborn, and condescending…and I love it! She is such a fun character to poke at and I loved seeing her scoff at the idea of being nice and less honest. She had so much growth and watching her not just learn to be a better person but actively help others was lovely.

Georgianna with her sweet disposition, proper etiquette, and overt kindness was well written as someone who struggles to not do what others ask or expect or her despite her own feelings. Her warmth towards people of all rank and backgrounds showed how she was the perfect choice to tutor dear Caroline.

There were several enjoyable side characters as well, some from the Austen world, and some new.

Romance and Chemistry:
Their chemistry was so good! There was yearning, tension, and passion as their story progresses. With the added obstacle of their love being extremely forbidden, not just in general but for their station, their stolen moments were precious.

Writing Style and Pacing:
This is written in the Austen style but less heavy so it is more accessible to today’s readers. As someone who studied English literature I loved how it mimicked the style while still feeling like a modern story. There were a few spots that felt a tad slow but overall pacing was good with new plot points added at comfortable intervals.

Setting and Vibes:
This is set in early 19th century England with much of it at Pemberly, the Darcy’s residence. The description of the home and surrounding areas as well as events was comprehensive.

Content and Triggers:
Emotional Abuse
Classism
Sexism
Adult/minor relationship
Sapphic sexual content

Final thoughts:
I absolutely adored this book. It combined two of my favorite things: regency era historical romance, and lgbtq+ stories. The characters were so well done and were true to their origins. They both had great growth arcs and the story was an interesting and refreshing concept. I will happily read more of this author’s work!

Ratings:
4.25/5
1.5/5 spice

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear with me while I start this review on a tangent: in 2008, Lost in Austen aired in the UK. It’s a TV show about a modern-day Jane Austen fan who accidentally swaps places with Elizabeth Bennet. It’s great fun, and one of the reveals in that show, is that Caroline Bingley is secretly a lesbian, who is only looking to marry for status and wealth. Ever since then I have honestly taken this as canon, and it’s basically the only reading of Caroline Bingley that makes sense, if you ask me.

Onwards! I loved The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet, which came out last year, and even just the title of this new release was enough to get me hooked, before I realised it’s the same author, and then I got even more excited! This is the sapphic Caroline Bingley story that I’ve been anticipating for nearly 20 years.

📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚

I will admit, I wasn’t convinced when I saw that Caroline’s love interest was Georgiana Darcy. I also wasn’t convinced at the start of the book, when the author’s note explained that Georgiana had been aged up slightly, to bring her closer in age to Caroline. I wasn’t sure at first why this was necessary; why couldn’t the whole book be set a few years later, once Georgiana was older? As I started to read though, it made perfect sense, and helped create the story McLeod wanted to tell.

The book picks up almost immediately after P&P, with Caroline reeling from her perceived rejection by Mr Darcy. She doesn’t understand why she has so far been unable to make a match with anyone, especially Mr Darcy, and turns to Georgiana to help her understand why.

Georgiana, on the other hand, is determined to be seen as something more than an innocent young girl, which is how her brother and those around her perceive her. She wants to be understood for who she really is, which is someone with layers and flaws just like anyone else. While she helps Caroline become a better version of herself, she also comes out of her own shell a bit more. I also felt like maybe both Caroline and Georgiana were coded as neurodivergent? I definitely got that impression, but I may be wrong.

What I really appreciated about both books from the series so far, is the balance of new and familiar characters. Although the leads and, by definition, some of their friends and family are all Austen characters, McLeod expands these characters’ social circles, bringing in new characters who help add a new perspective. I thought the balance was just right, keeping us firmly in Austenland, without feeling too insular.

This is another excellent release from Lindz McLeod, and a must-read for any and every sapphic Jane Austen fan!

I received a free copy for an honest review.

[Stephanie Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

**My thanks to Harlequin Romance for providing me with an advanced review copy via NetGalley**

4.5 stars

This was so much fun. Caroline Bingley is a delightfully snotty presence in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and this book gives her the space to stretch out. It also manages to make me believe in a Pygmalion-esque ‘change myself’ arc, which so often is done clumsily with a character either performing a neat 180 in a few scenes or having been a misunderstood sweetheart all along; instead Caroline must put in the work to start viewing the world around her differently to how she had always been strictly raised to do so, and faces quite a few awkward, even painful, stumbling blocks in doing so.

The romance between Caroline and Georgiana is done quite well; the two women have equally believable and compelling romantic as well as sexual chemistry, and the slow-burn evolution of their relationship is deliciously enjoyable to watch. At times the plot does require Caroline to be rather stupid about realizing her own feelings, but in the romance context this can be somewhat excused by the sexual mores of the time and her lack of any real vocabulary to express same-sex attraction. However, she is also sometimes similarly slow in non-romantic contexts to realize what she says versus what she thinks, and how others are likely to perceive her barbed ‘observations.’ Caroline has some wonderfully cruel zingers, which remind me a great deal of Jane Austen’s own ungenerous observations of social life in her private letters; a part of me wishes that McLeod had leaned into Caroline being aware that her ‘honest opinions’ are carefully phrased to be cutting and unkind, rather than seeming not to realize that how she phrases her criticisms is a major part of the problem, especially since in Jane Austen’s case the careful construction of the cutting remarks is such a skillful example of her craft.

Mr. Darcy I think also suffers a little in his characterization, perhaps because he gets so little screentime and primarily functions as a potential obstacle for Caroline and Georgiana’s relationship; he comes off much more sketched-in than the other characters.

Some secondary characters of the author’s own invention provide good autism representation and more varied social and financial classes than is usual in contemporary Regency romance, and they’re a highlight of the novel. However, the characters Caroline encounters and befriends are almost uniformly liberal-minded and open to same-sex relationships regardless of their own inclinations, as well as surprisingly well-informed and -spoken on the subject, which felt a little too convenient but did keep the mood up.

I would highly recommend this title to anyone looking for a good, well-paced Regency-era sapphic romance, and to fans of Pride and Prejudice who wish the wonderfully sassy Caroline Bingley could have had more time on the page.

[Erin Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley was a lot of fun! Caroline and Georgiana are a very amusing couple who balance and challenge each other well.

Miss Caroline Bingley is our protagonist, point of view, and foil to the lovely Miss Georgiana Darcy. Maybe I only made this connection because I am currently rewatching Schitt's Creek, but Caroline was such a Moira Rose to me in the best way. Caroline is enormously self-assured, obsessed with herself, and prone to impressively erudite vocabulary to express her feelings. (Never have I read the words peroration or dubiety, and yet Caroline artfully wielded them as if regular fare.) I really enjoyed Caroline's personal growth arc and that she is so herself to the end, just a little more self-aware and kinder. Georgiana was not as well characterized as Caroline, but she wasn't the main character and I still felt plenty endeared to her. McLeod did a good job making Georgiana her brother's sister while distinctly her own. The relationship between Caroline and Georgiana is a nice blend of yearning, companionship, and attraction. I appreciated that they developed a friendship first, and Caroline's queer self-discovery was handled well and quite lovely. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and all of the love matches going on around the main couple.

The first half of the book is really snappy and engrossing, but the second half loses steam a bit. I always worry while reading queer historical romance how and if the couple is going to have their happy ending, and McLeod drew this tension out a little longer than was necessary or entertaining. I also did not love the importance placed on virginity and maidenhead (a very heteronormative construct to place on a queer couple), but I will allow that this is perhaps to reflect the attitudes of the time. There is also a recurring metaphor of predator and prey which I think was a somewhat clumsy way to depict Caroline being ruthless in what she wanted in life, especially when it comes to her romantic happiness.

There is some period-typical homophobia but it is very limited. I gave the first in the series, The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet, four stars, and I think I like this one more than the first. I do hope there are more books in this series and will most definitely read the next (and anything more from Lindz McLeod)! If you like your historical romance protagonists a little snobby, very audacious, and willing to eat a little humble pie, I think you'll enjoy this book. There are also delightful nods to Pride and Prejudice movies to entertain every Austen fan.

Thank you, Harlequin - Romance | Carina Adores, for the arc!

[Emmaline Savidge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Lindz first book following the romance between Mary and Charlotte much stronger than this one. Don't get me wrong there's still some great stuff here that will make for a cute read. I really enjoyed Caroline as a protagonist, she kinda sucks in the best way. She's unafraid to speak her mind even when it's unkind and she's adept at social manipulation. Watching her progression to being more self aware and kind was very compelling. The romance between Caroline and Darcy was also very sweet and fun to read.

My issues with the book really became obvious when the conflict keeping our couple apart started. It felt strange that Georgiana was the one more fixated on reputation and the necessity of Caroline marrying a man. The whole set up that makes them grow closer is Caroline asking Georgie to make her kinder so she can get a good husband. We keep seeing letters from Mrs. Bingley which explicitly pressure Caroline to find a suitor. The Bingleys do not have the same money or status as the Darceys, meaning that Caroline either needs to marry or rely on the charity of her brother. It just felt like Caroline should be the one fixated on the societal barriers to their relationship. I also feel like there was a real missed opportunity with not having Mrs. Bingley play a larger role in the conflict. She could have been staying at the manor with the girls, getting in the way of their relationship and hunting for suitors. Then she would act as an avatar of the unaccepting society that the girls are trapped within. My issue with the lack of role for Mrs. Bingley plays into one of my major gripes, which is how empty this world feels. Where are the reoccurring side characters at? The majority of this book is just Caroline and Georgie sitting in an empty house with two named servants. It leads to story that feels repetitive and lacking in a B plot. There's the whole thing with Caroline playing matchmaker, but that barely feels like a D plot. I think that could and should have been a bigger facet of the story. The romance between two normal people could have spurred Caroline to chose love over the money and the status that marriage could give her.

Overall, this book is cute enough but just didn't nail it. It's still a fun read and I'd recommend giving it a shot especially if you liked the first book in the series.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

The miseducation of Caroline Bingley, is a spin off tale linked to the classic Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice. Here we follow the opinionated, vain and snobbish Caroline Bingley after her failed attempt to catch Mr Darcy, we are back at Pemberley as a guest of the Darcy’s. Caroline is needing closure as to
Why Mr Darcy didn’t choose her, if you have read the novel
Mr Darcy does not mince words and Caroline takes the feedback obviously quite poorly. She decides she needs the help of Georgiana to help her be a better person as if not how will she ever meet a suitable husband!

For the purposes of this novel Georgiana is aged up to 20 (rather than being 16) and Caroline is 23, Georgiana as her friend agrees to help her and her great pursuit of betterment, hard work and a pursed lipped Georgiana follows until Caroline starts to question is the person she desires much closer than she thought. Plus a lake scene will always help!

This is a fun, engaging romance honestly having Caroline question her sexuality, love and desire is quite spot on. The background to flesh out her family is also a good update. She’s not portrayed as a villain in the original material but love is not a concept of regency times. There are also many a nod to the 1995 TV adaptation (the best version in my opinion!). The gentle realisation of her attraction and her boldness is actually refreshing. She is no Elizabeth Bennett and I loved this, Georgiana is a typical Darcy, brooding but gentler than her brother but again good to see her fleshed out into her own person with wants and passions.

It is spicy but not explicit, there is yearning and want throughout plus links back to duty and what is appropriate for the time period. Reading this I would have liked a Georgiana POV to understand her personal struggle and longing, also with the Wickham scandal was when she was 15 I am unsure if she was this age in this book and honestly I could have done without the maidenhood description and Georgiana had quite a knowledge of bedroom activities, I wonder had this come from Wickham or possibly other like minded women she knew unfortunately this was not explored.

Really enjoyed this, now must read the other novel in this series. I would add this is a standalone and knowing a bit about pride and prejudice may help to understand the back story but can be read on its own merit. I received a copy via NetGalley and harpercollins so I thank them for giving me an advance read!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not long after his marriage to Elizabeth Bennet, Caroline Bingley asks Mr. Darcy what made her unsuitable for marriage to him. His bluntness stuns her - frankly, they are too similar - and Caroline spirals. She turns to Georgiana Darcy, with whom she is staying, for advice on how to be "more like Elizabeth" so that she can someday find a husband. Rather than dismiss her outright, Georgiana suggests that Caroline start to reflect on how her behavior affects others. Caroline is shocked to discover the depths of her unkindness and how little she paid attention to those around her. This leads to observing Georgiana more closely, which in turn leads her to wonder why the formerly faceless suitors she imagined all look a little more like Georgiana in her imagination.

Like the first in the series, The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet, The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley is a lovely introspective character examination of a perhaps less-beloved person from Pride & Prejudice. Caroline Bingley does not exactly make a good name for herself, and in this book Lindz McLeod reflects on why that might be. Caroline's mother is a social climber, and has instilled Caroline to look only at people and opinions that can aid her in social climbing herself. Georgiana's suggestions help break that instinct in Caroline in a way that feels natural. Most importantly, Caroline doesn't fully alter her personality, but shifts as she falls in love.

The narrative perspective works especially well for a queer awakening. In third person limited, we are privy to all of Caroline's inner thoughts but in a way that feels inviting rather than invasive (as I think first person would in this case): we are sharing and observing her shared reflection. It's gentle and cautious, even as Caroline starts to throw her own inhibitions to the wind and stands up to those who have shaped her in a way that makes her feel less than. For intimate scenes, the perspective feels comfortable to the historical romance reader.

Clare Corbett narrates the audiobook, and similarly to my notes on perspective, the narration adds a softness to our unlikeable heroine. This doesn't make her less unlikable, but does perhaps make her sympathetic.

Thank you to Carina Adores for an eARC and Harper Audio for an ALC. The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley is out 5/5/2026.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second sapphic JAFF I've read so far this year, and I am pleased to learn from the Acknowledgements that this Caroline was inspired by the 1995 miniseries. Note that Georgiana has been aged up to 19 in this novel, to be more age appropriate for a romance with Caroline.

In this novel, Caroline is bored and feeling rejected, as Mr. Darcy just married her rival the week before. She's been staying at Pemberley because she's avoiding her awful mother. When Caroline makes the mistake of asking Darcy why he didn't pick her, he explains that she's judgemental and too much like him, and she's going to have a hard time with her personality if she expects a man to fall on love with her. Or something to that effect. Offended, she demands that Georgiana, her friend and his sister who is so like him, teach her how to be likeable. To become more nice like Georgiana herself. All so she can find the right guy, of course. But as they spend more time together, learning how to not say every mean thought that comes into her head, Caroline starts to think more and more about her friend's lovely form. But can they be together if all these kindness lessons are meant to help Caroline attract a husband?

I will say that I am disappointed that Caroline never finished reading Udolpho. That might be a minor spoiler but come on, girl, read your crush's favorite book. I also feel like the kindness lessons stopped and Caroline just became nice because she was spending more time with Georgiana. But that's not what we're actually here for, so fine.

This was a nice read, and I enjoyed the romance! Caroline turns from cruel and cynical to brave, kinder, and in love. I'm not sure how much Georgiana grew (this is a single POV from Caroline's perspective, which was nice after all the dual POV I've seemed to read recently), but I guess she did find a love that was willing to choose her no matter what. And I think she did say that she learned to speak a little more of her own mind.

A fun read! I forgot that this was in the same series as the Mary/Charlotte romance, which I think Darcy briefly referenced in this one. They apparently wear bodiced petticoats in this book, rather than shifts with stays, but we did have a lot of Caroline dreaming of Georgiana in the petticoat, which made me laugh.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin/Carina Adores for the ARC.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This book had me squealing like I was 14 again, reading wattpad books instead of going to sleep at a decent time for school the next morning🥰

This is a feel-good, adorable, simple love story between Caroline Bingley and Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Darcy's sister. To me, it had just the right focus on their romance and them getting together, with a tinge of the realities of being queer in a time when it was much more dangerous. I appreciated that more of the focus was on the romance and celebrated their love story.

It follows a classic theme of falling for the mentor, where Caroline asks Georgie to help her better herself so she can find a husband, and then ends up falling in love with Georgie. The tension and their push-and-pull was well executed and left you dying for them to get together.

The sex scenes were really well done too; I enjoyed the focus on intimacy and how it wasn't overdone. There was just enough sexual intimacy to remind you how passionate they were, without it essentially becoming erotica once they got together.

I would like to note the two things that really stuck out to me in this book. One, Caroline's slow understanding of her sexuality was written very realistically, especially when she looked back on her past experiences with girls and saw them in a new light. It felt extremely relatable and absolutely mirrored the experience of queerness which was lovely to see. Two, I loved that there were other queer people around them who sussed them out very quickly. Again, it's extremely relatable since queer people tend to gravitate towards each other, usually before you can really comprehend why you were drawn to them. I loved specificially that the author stated this quite plainly in the book too, which again, is a very realistic queer experience.

In a world where Heated Rivalry is praised as the epitome of queer media by mostly straight white women, and the upcoming season of Bridgerton receives severe backlash for focusing on a lesbian storyline; books like this are refreshing and required. I really hope people can start showing the same sort of love that gay mens stories get towards other queer stories and experiences.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 I loved the first book and was excited to read this one. It was a slow burn and found myself getting inpatient but overall held up to my expectations. With the declarations were as romantically swoon worthy as you’d expect.

Caroline and Georgiana are friends but the closeness of their friendship is fairly new. So when Caroline enlists Georgiana’s help with the Great Endeavor their friendship turns prickly at times. I loved the tension this added.

It’s somewhat epistolary with an epigraph of most chapters of letters between Georgiana and Caroline’s family or journaled reflections by Caroline. Other than this, the story is told from Caroline’s point of view. It was frustrating at times not knowing where the cause of Georgiana’s wariness came from but it all made sense in the end.

For Caroline, it’s a queer awakening that begins after seeing Georgiana emerge from the lake in her shift and petticoats. With a lot of reflection and discernment of dreams followed. Along with rationalizing that’s just what good friends did or felt.

I also enjoyed Caroline’s internal growth. Starting with Mr. Darcy’s list of her shortcomings of stubbornness, selfishness, and unable to love to Georgina showing her how to balance kindness with honesty.

Even though we didn’t get Georgina’s perspective you could sense her growth too. From playing the role expected of her to doing what she wanted. And Caroline seeing this and encouraging Georgina to reach for it.

I loved the humor throughout, it was witty and found myself chuckling out loud several times.

The passion in the buildup and their intimacy could really be felt. The scenes are shorter and not explicit but were still steamy.

Overall, I loved this and hope there are more wlw historical romances to come from this author.

As noted in my review for the first book, I have not read Pride and Prejudice and it did not limit my enjoyment or understanding of this story.

The Miseducation of Caroline Bingsley is the second book in the Austentatious series.

There are four open door encounters. They’re not explicit and I felt their passion for one another.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I had originally requested an eARC for this book I hadn't realized that this was coming from the same author of another Jane Austen Universe sapphic recanonization I had read last year that centered Mary and Charlotte--I had simply thought maybe something was in the zeitgeist and I was happy to read another sapphic Pride and Prejudice story. Alas, I started reading and immediately recognized the voice and humor and knew I was in for a treat.

Admittedly, I am not as familiar with Pride and Prejudice as most considering that almost all of my exposure to the material is through retellings so I cannot comment on how faithful characterizations are or how accurate the setting is, but I can say that I loved so much about this story. Author Lindz McLeod does a masterful job of straddling the line of making Caroline soooo annoying and yet soooo endearing (she is my favorite character from the Pride and Prejudice universe I've decided).

How else am I to react when a woman embarks on a ridiculous venture to "re-actualize" herself (but not really) in order to make a love match just to prove a point that she is capable of love at all (that'll teach Fitzwilliam Darcy). She enlists the help of kind, understanding Georgiana, who despite her class and wealth, is incredibly grounded and humble. Georgiana is the best person Caroline knows and thus an obvious choice. With great difficulty, Georgiana helps Caroline learn what it means to be a better person, and along the way the two discover what it means to fall in love.

The first half is written with so much humor I was almost taken off guard by the amount of angst the second half had in store (although I shouldn't have been surprised--any queer period piece should have a healthy amount of angst, and I personally do love angst so it wasn't unwelcome). I enjoyed every bit along the way, although I do wish it was a slower burn (personal preference) and that perhaps it would have been nice to get more glimpses into Georgiana's inner workings throughout. Still, I hope Lindz McLeod has plans for more Austen novels.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Title: The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley-Austentatious #2

✍🏾 Author: Lindz McLeod-I read The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet & gave it 5⭐

📅 Publication date: 5-5-26 | Read: 5-5-26

📃 Format: e-Book 352 pgs.

Genre:
*Historical Romance

Tropes:
*Jane Austen re-imaging of Pride and Prejudice
*sapphic romance
*forbidden romance
*opposites attract
*slow burn

👆🏾POV:3rd person dual

⚠️TW: homophobia, classism, ton gossip, death of parents, virgin h

🌎 Setting: England

Summary: After marrying Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy gives Caroline a hard truth about their incompatibility and "why not her." She decides to change her spoiled and elitist ways to become a more agreeable person with better marital prospects. Georgiana becomes her etiquette teacher and corrects her every time she insults or gossips about someone unnecessarily. The more time they spend together, the more they fall for each other even though their love is still taboo.

👩🏾 Heroine: Caroline Bingley-23, arrogant, gossips about people negatively
👩🏾 Heroine: Georgiana Darcy-20, well-liked pianist, quiet book lover

🎭 Other Characters

*Fitzwilliam Darcy-Georgiana's older brother, just married to Elizabeth Bennet
*Charles Bingley-Caroline's brother, married to Jane Bennet
*Louisa-Caroline's older married sister
*Lady Catherine-the evil aunt who tried to keep Darcy and Elizabeth apart
*George Wickham-a soldier Georgiana fell in love w/ @ 15 and she wanted to elope, but Darcy paid him off


🤔 My Thoughts: I loved Caroline's self-reflection journey with Georgiana as her sounding board/conscious. Georgiana matched her judgmental quips and called her out when she was just being a mean girl. The conversation about drinking sherry, Caroline's mother catching her pleasuring herself, and the constant playback of Georgiana coming out the lake were so innocently hilarious.

Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level: 2/5 🌶️

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin-Romance| Carina Adores, and Lindz McLeod for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

[Minna Perälä · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Caroline Bingley is generally difficult character to like, I was really intrigued how she could be turned into a likable main character and romance heroine. In Pride and Prejudice, she's catty and arrogant, and thinks everyone, especially those with less money or lower status, are inferior people.

Lindz McLeod's Miss Caroline Bingley gets to experience a steep learning curve into kindness after losing The Perfect Man to another woman. I have to admit that I loved being inside her head. The reader has the front row seat when she tries to keep snarky comments inside, slowly learns to understand why people cannot be judged by looks or posession, and experiences gay panic and literal wet dreams. (I loved that the author had taken the iconic "Darcy with wet undershirt" scene and rewritten it sapphic.)

I liked that, although Caroline Bingley becames kinder and more attentive, she doesn't become a completely different/new person in the novel. She knows what she wants and deserves (or thinks she deserves). She struggles to keep her growing feelings and desires inside as long as possible. But once she accepts herself and her affections, nothing stops her from getting what she desires.

If The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley was a modern romance, Caroline could be seen as mildly predatory and the story would be off-putting for me. But the novel is not dark in any sense of the word. I think she's just written as a mix of masculine and feminine historical romance protagonist. If her character was a man, he'd be described as passionate and determined. Caroline Bingley has certain amount of butch energy in her in Pride and Prejudice, too, so I think it's a very fitting how Lindz McLeod has written this version of Caroline Bingley.

In the beginning of the book, the reader gets glimpses into Georgiana's thoughts through letters. I wish it would have continued throughout the book. If letters to Mr. Darcy or other relatives was out of the question - because of the nature of her thoughts, she could have written journal entries. I wish we saw her point of view, too. We get to see some of Georgiana's vulnerability and a bit about how her past with affects her decisions but there would have been more to unwrap and show on page.

The lack of second POV was pretty much the only reason for me to rate the book with 4 stars instead of 5.

ARC of the novel received through NetGalley.

PS. In the future, if there'll be more sapphic Austentatious novels, I'd love to read a book about Margaret Dashwood (5-10 years after Sense and Sensibility).

[SullenSapphic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice Level: 2/5 Open-Door

After being told by Mr. Darcy that she is “arrogant” and “unkind,” Ms. Caroline Bingley takes that sting and hurt and does only what she knows to do, get Ms. Georgiana Darcy to teach her the ways of etiquette. Despite her wanting elite social status, Caroline wants to be cared for and craves affection.

Ms. Georgiana Darcy must break through that harsh exterior of Ms. Bingley if she wants her to learn etiquette. However, while teaching Caroline the finer techniques of etiquette, she finds herself having a hard time containing her true feelings for her friend. Will Ms. Bingley learn the etiquette she most desperately wants? Will Ms. Darcy get her girl?

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. I honestly had no expectations coming into this audiobook because this book is based on characters from Pride & Prejudice, a book I have never read. Fear not, this is not a book you need to have prior knowledge of the original work to understand what is happening or to know the characters.

I really liked the dynamics between Caroline and Georgiana. They are friends but have their differences but I wouldn’t categorize them as frenemies. Caroline is very much the spoiled brat who is like a “Veruca Salt” type and Georgiana gives it right back to her. Of course, back in the times that this book takes place, being queer is very taboo and not well looked upon. So, this does play a factor in how things play out for Ms. Bingley and Ms. Darcy. Not giving any spoilers so if you want to know what happens, you’ll have to read.

Clare Corbett is the narrator for this audiobook. Loved her narrating. Lots of emotion in her voice and she really made Caroline and Georgiana come to life and made you feel their struggles and yearning.

🐎 Historical Romance
🐎 Sapphic Romance
🐎 Homophobia
🐎 Forbidden Love
🐎 Slow Burn
🐎 Opposites Attract
🐎 Sapphic Awakening
🐎 “Falling for the teacher”

[ech0reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me an ARC.

I am absolutely obsessed with these queer Pride and Prejudice stories. I loved seeing Caroline Bingley turn from someone I actively disliked in the original text to someone I could empathise with and admire how much she's grown as a person. Understandably, her upbringing left her with some trauma and misunderstandings about her role in society, and what's 'appropriate' and the way she should act and it takes time for her to unlearn her biases and judgemental attitude. It was so lovely seeing her friendship with Georgiana develop, at first being shallow and then they both got to be their authentic selves, opening up to each other more, and becoming romantically involved.

I really liked the nuance demonstrated around queer relationships in the regency period. It makes sense that richer, higher status people who were concerned with how they looked and how others perceived them would shun anything 'unconventional', being worried about judgement from other elites. But the lower status, poorer people didn't have to worry about status or perceived judgement from others, so they were more open to 'unconventional' ways of living. Not all of them, Bingly, Darcy, and Elizabeth are all incredibly supportive, which is expected from their characters.

Darcy is, understandably, incredibly protective of his sister considering what happened with Wickham, but he's also delightfully open-minded and immediately accepting of their relationship once he understands that Caroline truly cares for his sister.

This was such a tender read. I really loved how both Georgiana and Caroline changed and grew as the book progressed. Most of the people around them were so overwhelmingly loving and supportive and it was heartwarming.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a sapphic romance that has stakes and inner turmoil! I felt like it was getting a little too comfy and easy out here but this had a lot of depth to it which I appreciate!

Georgie and Caroline were such a delight to read, the way these two went about their relationship was slow at the start and then head over heels but due to Georgie’s self esteem and past relationship she was a little more reserved as the story went on which made so much sense for her character. I will say I didn’t expect Caroline to fall first and harder but I was pleasantly surprised. I did think her change could have been done more subtly though because it did feel rather abrupt after the 50%ish mark. I would have liked to have seen more lead up even from the start as the attraction took a while to be included on page.

The writing was fantastic. I literally didn’t put this down all day and finished it in one sitting. The pacing was a little slow at the start but I didn’t mind it I think we needed that time to figure Caroline out.

The sex. As far as I can remember I do think this is a little bit spicier than the first one? I will say that a few scenes could have been removed in favour of showing their relationship deepening outside of the bedroom as these two don’t really venture too far. The way the sex was written though was great.

A little like my issue with the first one, I wish this was third person dual pov. I really wanted into Georgies head and again yes.. for selfish reasons but also because I never felt like we get a deeper sense of who she is as a character outside of Caroline’s pov. I’d have loved to have read her pov through the last 40% because I could feel the angst and longing she was doing on the sidelines.

Another great read from Lindz cannot wait to see what’s in store for us next

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely adore sapphic historical fiction. While I admit that I have not read any of Jane Austen’s classics (yes, I know that is scandalous), it’s not needed to enjoy The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley. I can appreciate the work that went into this book without knowing the ins and outs of Austen’s work. I will say I probably would appreciate it more if I had read her work, but I don’t have the desire to read anything that deals with heterosexual couples.

I found it hard at first to like Caroline. She was selfish and judgemental. But I believe that was the point. It made her character arc even better and more satisfying. She truly changed for the better and you can actually see that change unfold as you read. I appreciate when authors don’t shy away from the realities of the time period. It adds to the angst when the stakes are high and the threat of being ruined in society is there. I think it also adds to the wit of the author on how to navigate this, instead of just making the setting queer normative.

I did find some parts to be a little slow, but I do feel like that is kind of to be expected in books like this. There has to be a build up in order for the eventual coupling to feel real and be realistic.

I loved Caroline and Georgiana together. Their banter back and forth was entertaining throughout the novel. I also loved the side characters throughout, especially Mrs. Reynolds(did not see what happened at the ending happening at all, but it made me so happy)

Overall, this is a solid sapphic historical fiction that had the right amount of humor, angst, longing, spice and romance. This is the second book by the author I’ve read and I can’t wait to read more!

[Nikki (awallflowerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mcleod's writing is descriptive (especially with setting) and her dialogue is on the right side of witty and clever. I also love that she continues to take well loved (and misunderstood) Pride and Prejudice characters and gives them their love story. She manages to give winks to the source material without making it the sole focus. She creates a whole new story to love with fresh takes on these characters.

I knew I was going to love Caroline- she’s quintessential mean girl with hidden heart of gold that’s just been misguided. But with Georgiana’s help, she’s set to make a great match and become a kinder person, with the Great Endeavor. Caroline has hillarious internal monologues which provided such depth to her character. She had me laughing and also feeling sorry for the way she was brought up to see the world by her mother. Georgiana was an equally fascinating character and not at all what I expected. While her outward facade very much reads serene good girl, she’s also got hidden depths that only Caroline is just starting to see. I loved that as the two spent more time together, they were able to understand each other on a deeper level. And reach a middle ground for their really opposing personalities: Caroline being kinder and Georgiana being more honest. It was also fun when their attraction eventually bubbles to the surface. Caroline’s incessant teasing and temptation was so perfect for her character. While Georgiana’s more reserved nature gets to let lose.

The conflict in this felt really realistic and genuine to the characters and their experiences. We knew Georgiana’s trust issues were going to be a thing, and further the outward pressure of society and their families. This was all done really beautifully and McLeod manages an excellent balance between understanding characters and villains. I really enjoy this author’s writing style, and what she’s doing with Jane Austen’s world. And I hope she never stops!

4/5
Thank you to the publishers for an eARC of this novel.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually a romance reader but I couldn’t resist a sapphic sequel to Pride and Prejudice, and I loved every second. I always thought that Miss Bingley was misunderstood, and that Georgiana must surely have more layers than we were led to believe. It seems that Linz McLeod agrees.
This story was safe in her hands. I loved the P&P Easter eggs, including a lake scene that referenced the 1995 Colin Firth moment, and which I reread immediately because it was just so great. The characters were plausible and showed a real understanding of the original text, and I appreciated the nods to other Jane Austen books, such as a picnic which mirrored the one in Emma. Georgiana has been aged up, which works completely, but every other aspect is true to the original. I really enjoyed the character progression of Caroline, and she grew as a person without losing what we already knew of her, and I feel we got some lovely background to explain the reason for her past behaviour.
Something I also appreciated was a realistic portrayal of a sapphic relationship that didn’t fall to stereotypes or spice for the sake of it. It can be frustrating and disheartening when authors include a sapphic relationship that doesn’t feel authentic and is written for fantasy or shock, and it was clear that this was a book written by someone who understands what it feels like to be a woman in love with a woman. The yearning and questioning of feelings just felt right.
As a queer woman myself, I was keen to see what other books this author had written, and I wasn’t disappointed. I bought her previous book before I’d even finished this one, and she is now on my list of authors to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Linz McLeod for the opportunity to read this ARC. I will be purchasing this one when it comes out on 18th June.

[Agatha Allyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley explores what it means to find yourself and grow when you accept your flaws. Caroline's growth (and stubborn deep-rooted biases) throughout the story make her a delightful point of view character that is as charming as she is complex.

Lindz McLeod captures the regency era romance by the petticoats with sapphic awakening and yearning. I appreciate that it's not a simple "opposites attract" romance, so much as two multi-faceted women appreciating each other for what they are. So much happens, a lot of the text feels very simple and rapid-fire, not giving us time to breathe as we're rushed through it, but I imagine that's how they felt about their whirlwind romance, too.

The other characters around Caroline and Georgiana really bring this novel to life, they all have strong characterization and voices, unlike a lot of cardboard cut-outs in romance novels. The depth of personalities help elevate the story from simply cute and passage to engaging, as I was excited for the ladies' next forray into town or invitation to a party.

While there is some stretching of canonical characters to ensure a happily ever after, it was a breath of fresh air to see them struggle against some of the society norms and expectations for ladies of their time and class; Caroline's interactions with her mother were especially gripping.

The story had everything I could have wanted with a title and premise like this, and I am delighted to have gotten to go on their journey with them. As always, thank you Harlequin Romance for the book for review consideration via NetGalley and it is written with full honesty.

[Heather Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindz McLeod's The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley did for Miss Bingley what Florence Pugh did for Amy March in Greta Gerwig's Little Women: It made me absolutely adore a character I'd been despising for my entire life! This is the second really fun sapphic Austen re-imagining I've read this year, which is also a surprise, but not nearly as much as falling in love with Caroline Bingley, of all people. And here's the thing: Caroline is still such a jerk! She actually goes on a trajectory quite similar to Mr. Darcy's, in that love softens her edges and causes her to see outside her own self-interests for the first time in her life — but she's still vain and arrogant and so hilarious about it. ("How would she even go about improving her already excellent character?" "My own plan is far more direct; the product of a superior mind, wonderfully focused. Really, I ought to have been in the military.") I loved the way this story unfolded, how neither Caroline nor Georgie had any experience with queerness, and how they unlocked the mysteries together. Their chemistry was *sizzling*. I never could have even dreamed of getting the exact yearning of Lizzy seeing Colin Firth come out of that lake, or Darcy and Elizabeth shouting directly into each other's faces in the gazebo in the rain — but in sapphic form! Yet, here it is! This is one of my favorites. I feel confident I will reread it 20 times.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.

[Rallie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for giving me access to this book!

“I need you to help me to become as kind and good as Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Ideally in the next fortnight.” She nodded, thinking it over. Yes, that was a more than sufficient period of time.

Was this a fun book? Sure. Did Lindz McLeod capture an internal world that totally matches the 1995 miniseries Miss Bingley? Absolutely yes. So if you're a die-hard P&P fan who likes riffs on the OG material and silly sapphic stories with a bit of spice, you might enjoy this!

Although it was fun, it felt a lot longer than it needed to be and some parts really started to drag on - basically, this would've been a great novella. I also think that McLeod took some author's license when it came to descriptions (a petticoat is a skirt, not an underdress; formal gatherings like balls or picnics definitely didn't serve alcohol) which is fine, but if the audience is going to be people who really enjoy Georgian and Regency era romance and rom-coms those are probably the kind of details you want to capture.

I will say this - Caroline's internal monologue was hilarious, and some of her banter with Georgiana was funny because they were on completely different levels. And I love the regular return to the story of Orfeo ed Euridice and how Caroline's personal development and how she maps sapphic love (or at least, her journey of love) against her critique of Orfeo as an untrusting idiot.

Overall, I wanted more than I got, but I don't regret the time spent with it!

[Katie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first half of this book was a slow burn for me, and not in the romantic sense. Caroline Bingley is, to put it plainly, a lot. Selfish, status-obsessed, and thoroughly convinced of her own superiority, she is not easy company in those early chapters. I found myself genuinely feeling bad for Georgiana, who endures her with a patience that borders on saintly.

But then something shifted, and I think that’s exactly the point. Around the halfway mark, Caroline’s relentless determination to be better and to be worthy of Georgiana stopped grating on me and started getting under my skin in the best possible way. There is something deeply admirable about a woman who, once she decides she loves someone, just goes for it completely and refuses to apologize for any of it. By the end I was fully in her corner.

I’ll admit I had Lord Ashbrook pegged as a beard situation from the moment he appeared, so I was relieved when Charles and Fitzwilliam swept in to be their usual wonderfully supportive selves. The Austen cameos in this series never disappoint.

Lindz McLeod has built a world I would happily live in forever. Give me a thousand books set here.

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Harlequin/HarperCollins for the ARC.

My star rating system:

⭐️ : Would never read, or DNF
⭐️⭐️ : Not for me, probably for others
⭐️⭐️⭐️ : Solid, but forgettable
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ : Excellent, would re-read eventually
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ : Would re-read immediately